What is Spatial Sense?
Review of the literature in this field indicates that a variety of terminology can
be used, for example, spatial ability, spatial orientation, spatial reasoning and
spatial insight, and that there is little consensus on the definition of the
concept. However, by considering the kind of interaction required in order to
interact in space, one can gain a picture of the kind of skills necessary for this
interaction. Smith (1998) suggests that without spatial skills it would be
difficult to exist in the world as one would not be able to communicate about
position and relationships between objects, give and receive directions and
imagine changes taking place in the position or size of
shapes. Human (1999) has identified the following forms of interaction:
Observing spatial objects (two- and three-dimensional) and their
properties in a discriminating way, for example, changes in position, size,
shape, the relationships between the objects
Generating information that cannot be directly observed, for example,
determining distances, elevations, areas and volumes
Representing spatial objects in two dimensions
Interpreting two-dimensional representations of spatial objects.
The Development of Spatial Sense
Spatial sense cannot be taught, but must be developed over a period of time.
A number of researchers refer to the importance of learners engaging with
concrete spatial activities before being able to form and to manipulate visual
images. Van Niekerk (1995) identifies different levels of interaction in space:
She distinguishes between “spatial orientation” (“basically a threedimensional
experience”) and “spatial insight” (“a two-dimensional experience”). She
suggests that an individual must have experiences with a three-dimensional
cube before being able to describe it verbally, make a mental image of the
cube, or make a two-dimensional drawing of the cube. Owens and Gould
(1998) have developed a framework of strategies used by students in
solving spatial problems and list these in the order in which they are likely to
emerge.1 Theserange from manipulation in the physical world and
perception, to the use of strategies using visual imagery only, to the use of
this imagery in problem solving.
What is 2D shape?
A two-dimensional shape is a geometric figure having length and width, but
no thickness or depth. Examples of 2-d shapes are drawings of squares,
circles, or other objects. All two-dimensional figures can be drawn on a flat
surface.
Regular 2-D Shapes - Polygons
Move the mouse over the shapes to discover their properties.
Triangle Square
Pentagon Hexagon
Heptagon Octagon
Nonagon Decagon
Hendecagon Dodecagon
These shapes are known as regular polygons. A polygon is a
many sided shape with straight sides.
To be a regular polygon all the sides and angles must be the
same.
3D Solids
Solids are 3-dimensional figures which are made up of flat or curved
surfaces. Solids are classified in terms of their various properties. These
include the number and shape of faces, the number and type of congruent
faces, the number of vertices, the number of edges and whether the solids
are convex or non-convex.
Solids are prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, spheres and
hemispheres. Faces are the 2-dimensional plane shapes which are joined
along the edge lines. Congruent faces are faces which are identical in both
shape and size. Convex polyhedrons are solids which have all of their internal
angles totalling less than 180o.
Basically, this means you can draw a straight line, internally, between
any two points without it leaving the interior of the solid. The solids pictured
below are all convex polyhedrons.
THE PROPERTIES OF 3D SOLIDS
Cube
Number of Faces: 6
Number of Vertices: 8
Number of Edges: 12
F + V - E = 2 6 + 8 - 12 = 2
Rectangular Prism
Number of Faces: 6
Number of Vertices: 8
Number of Edges: 12
F + V - E = 2 6 + 8 - 12 = 2
Triangular Prism
Number of Faces: 5
Number of Vertices: 6
Number of Edges: 9
F+V-E=2 5+6-9=2
Pentagonal Prism
Number of Faces: 7
Number of Vertices: 10
Number of Edges: 15
F + V - E = 2 7 + 10 - 15 = 2
Triangular Pyramid
Number of Faces: 6
Number of Vertices: 8
Number of Edges: 12
F + V - E = 2 6 + 8 - 12 = 2
Square Pyramid
Number of Faces: 5
Number of Vertices: 5
Number of Edges: 8
F+V-E=2 5+5-8=2
2D Shapes In 3D Solid
There are a number of ways we can make a three dimensional object appear realistic
in a 2 dimensional illustration. In addition to using square and isometric grid / dot
paper, we can use parallel construction lines.
Parallel construction lines are created by intersecting two pairs of parallel lines. These
lines, forming a parallelogram, can create the base (and possibly other faces) for
various prisms and pyramids.
Construction 3-D Solids from Net
OCTAHEDRON
PYRAMID
CUBE
